**Chapter 27: Suwi's Point of View**
Two days had passed since Eskapa captured me, locking me in their base. I never imagined I'd see that odd man again—the one who'd dragged me into this mess—now imprisoned alongside me. I didn't know who he was, but he insisted on becoming my friend. At first, I doubted his motives, yet I never expected he'd go this far to win me over.
He claimed to be Xxv's friend, but that only fueled my urge to push him away. If he mattered to my husband, he shouldn't risk himself for me. The soldiers brought him here yesterday for some unclear reason—likely still suspecting him as my ally. He was a fool, oblivious to the trouble he courted.
Yet, despite the danger, this man's determination to connect with me was unshakable. He forced his way into my life, relentlessly until I agreed yesterday. It wasn't that I craved company—especially from a weak human—but his persistence left me no choice.
Now, he slept soundly before me, perhaps exhausted from his endless chatter. He spoke of things I couldn't grasp, yet I couldn't deny the strange amusement his words sparked. He talked to me as an equal, unafraid to challenge me, heedless of what I could do. His presence irritated me, yet it brought an unexpected lightness— a flicker of anticipation for his next quip, a feeling I'd never known with anyone but Xxv.
No, perhaps it stemmed from my hunger for joy. Aside from Xxv, no one had shown me care or understanding. I knew I couldn't show weakness, but his insistence on friendship—and his efforts to prove it—warmed me in ways I hadn't expected.
Maybe I could trust him. What harm could it do to call him a friend? Or was I convincing myself for my own sake, knowing someone might suffer?
While he slept, I edged closer, curious to study him up close. "So weird—how can he touch me?" I whispered.
I reached out, but as my hands neared his head, I froze, anxiety gripping me. What if his soul protection relied on his awareness? If he were asleep, could he die? Or maybe yesterday's touch succeeded because Serphia had just boosted my energy, masking my soul-drain.
I fretted, yet yearned to test it, to confirm I could touch him safely. "You're overthinking, my princess," a voice chimed.
Lost in thought, I jolted as Serphia emerged from my clothing, crawling up my arm toward Nathaniel's head. Her weight pressed my palms against his scalp. Fear spiked, but nothing changed—his body remained still, my power dormant, not siphoning his soul.
"If you notice, your body ignores his soul, as if it feels nothing," Serphia observed.
"What do you mean?" I asked, bewildered.
She explained that, despite sensing his soul, I didn't attempt to drain it. "Is that possible?" I murmured.
Even Serphia seemed baffled, likening it to my soul's acceptance of Xxv. A sudden thought struck me—could my soul link with this man too? Panic surged; I'd never considered a second soulmate. As a noble, the idea of bonding with another lowlife unnerved me.
Before my mind wandered further, Serphia clarified that multiple soulmates weren't impossible, based on soul compatibility, but Nathaniel wasn't mine. My acceptance of him differed from the energy fusion with Xxv—his soul merely coexisted near mine.
"It's like your soul permits his presence," she added.
Incredulous, I accepted her words, lacking better understanding. "Oh… so he's not my soulmate," I muttered.
I stroked his head, seizing the chance to hold his hands while he slept. After so long, only Xxv had touched me— I couldn't resist exploring this. "Do you regret it, princess?" Serphia teased.
"What do you mean?" I snapped.
"You know what I mean. I wouldn't blame you for wondering if he could be your soulmate," she said.
Her words startled me, and I dropped his hand, clutching my cheeks. "W-what are you saying? I'm married!" I stammered.
Serphia crawled to my head, reminding me of my vow to remain faithful to Xxv per Khan law. She noted that law had brought me only sorrow and worry. "I shouldn't say this, but if Xxv can't fulfill your bond, it's fair to sever it."
"Not out of anger, but because he hinders your clan duties," she added.
Outraged, I silenced her. "Enough! Don't speak ill of Xxv!"
I didn't know why— I resented him for leaving, yet couldn't hate him. His kindness and love were real; he chose Eskapa to help us, despite my warnings about their role in our kingdom's fall. Our situation had grown complex—I'd only wanted him to prioritize me, to trust my words.
I bowed my head, overwhelmed by our misery. Would he return? Would the war end? Could I find happiness again? "I just want to be with him while we live," I whispered.
"Forgive me, my princess. I shouldn't have said that," Serphia murmured.
I rubbed my eyes, staving off tears born of despair. Moments later, Nathaniel stirred, blinking awake and sitting up. "Morning already? What time is it?" he yawned, glancing at me.
He fell silent, staring. "W-why are you looking at me like that?" I asked, unnerved.
"You're stunning in the morning, Suwi," he said with a grin.
His compliment sent a shiver through me, and in my embarrassment, I slapped him hard. "Stop it, pervert!" I shouted.
"Ow! What's your problem? Why'd you hit me?" he protested.
We argued as he insisted he meant praise, complaining about the strike. I knew I shouldn't react so, but Serphia's earlier words muddled my mind. Ignoring his complaints, I pushed him away, though I'd approached first.
"This cell's too small—how can I get far? And aren't you used to compliments? You don't look it, but you're old—shouldn't you take praise in stride?" he teased.
My face burned with shame as he called me old and immature. He even knew my age, sparking wonder at how much he knew. "Uh… I know more than your age. Want me to list it? Like the Khan mark on your body, down your—"
Before he finished, I punched him, silencing him. "Shut up!" I snapped.
He slumped, asleep again. I wasn't sure if he lived, but I didn't regret it. His knowledge unnerved me—my mark, a sacred noble sign meant only for Xxv. Did he see it? No, he'd just heard of it to prove his insight. Did I need to kill him?
He seemed trustworthy, and his vow of friendship suggested no harm. "What should I do with him? Help me decide, Serphia," I pleaded.
Serphia sighed, retreating into me, saying Khan law demanded his death. "But if you choose happiness, follow the flow as before," she added.
Her vagueness confused me. As a noble loyal to clan law, I sought her guidance to avoid error. She stayed silent, leaving me to decide, as if clan law no longer mattered.
Hours later, we chatted—Nathaniel rambled about things I doubted. "You know, where I'm from, there's amazing food, and you can stroll at parks anytime. It's beautiful, especially at night with music and joy."
"Music? Do you mean the Irish Kingdom?" I asked.
I assumed only Irish treated all races equally, and his polished air suggested that upbringing. "More than Irish. It's not perfect, but it's better than here," he said.
I smirked, sighing—his tales grew tiresome. What did I care about human lands? "I don't know why I mention it—maybe to keep our talk going. Or maybe I hope you'll join me there for a peaceful life," he added.
Shock hit me. Was he suggesting I live with him? "W-what are you saying?" I stammered, retreating.
"Please, Nathaniel, don't say that," I pleaded.
He looked puzzled, asking why he couldn't as a friend. "Even if you can touch me, we can't be together—I'm married!" I yelled, eyes shut.
His face blanked, then he shook his head, blushing. "No, no, wait—you misunderstood, Suwi!" he stammered.
He clarified no marital intent—his concern was for my happiness in his world. "And even if you're pretty, I'm not masochistic enough to marry a violent, crazy Amazon like you," he added.
Fury boiled, and I punched him again, knocking him out. Insulted by a lowlife's rejection, I felt no remorse. "Who's an Amazon? Rude!" I snapped.